HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Meeting of the Ames City Council 02/12/2013 MINUTES OF THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AND REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 12, 2013
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
The Ames City Council met in Special Session for the budget wrap-up at 5:21 p.m., followed by its
Regular Meeting, on the 12 day of February, 2013, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515th
Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Ann Campbell presiding and the following Council
members present: Jeremy Davis, Matthew Goodman, Jami Larson, Peter Orazem, and Victoria
Szopinski. Council Member Tom Wacha was brought into the meeting telephonically. Ex officio
Member Sawyer Baker was also present.
ARTS FUNDING (COTA): Fred Lewis, Chairperson of the Commission On The Arts (COTA),
introduced Commission Member Andy Zeer, who was also in attendance. Assistant City
Manager Melissa Mundt presented the 2013/14 budget recommendation from the COTA.
Included in the recommendation was $137,367.60 for annual grants to 15 different performing
arts groups and $3,511.40 for mini-grants that are allocated in the spring and fall. It was noted
by Ms. Mundt that two new groups applied for funding: Stars Over VEISHEA and India Cultural
Association. According to Ms. Mundt, increased costs to use the City Auditorium was reported
by many organizations as a hardship.
It was noted that the Council had previously approved funding for 2013/14 in the amount of
$140,879 (an increase of 2% over 2012/13).
HUMAN SERVICES FUNDING (ASSET): Assistant City Manager Mundt introduced Amber
Corrieri, one of the City’s representatives on ASSET. Ms. Mundt noted that the ASSET
volunteers had been given the priorities adopted by the City Council: meeting basic needs of
low- and moderate-income families, crisis intervention, prevention, and transportation, and those
criteria were used to make the funding recommendations.
It was reported by Ms. Mundt that the recommended allocation for 2013/14 for the overall
ASSET budget equaled $3,273,976 to be funded by Story County, United Way of Story County,
the Government of the Student Body, and the City of Ames. That number represents an increase
of 4.40% over 2012/13. Ms. Mundt noted that the City Council had approved a 3.0% increase
over the current allocation. However, the City’s share of the 2013/14 allocation is being lowered
by 7.13% ($82,958) from the current 2012/13 allocation. That is primarily due to the
recommendation by ASSET volunteers to no longer fund substance abuse services through the
Community and Family Resources (CFR), a reduction in mental health services funding request
to the City from Eyerly Ball, its new mental health provider; the departure of Big Brothers/Big
Sisters from Story County, and a reduction in the allocation to Red Cross due a lack of its
presence in the community.
A new service provider, the Salvation Army, was being recommended to receive funding.
ASSET volunteers had determined that there was a need for their services. Ms. Corrieri noted
that the Salvation Army does not represent a duplication of services based on the needs of the
community and the niche market it serves. Council Member Larson asked for more information
because the role of ASSET is to fund services and not agencies. The services that they applied
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for from ASSET were for disaster assistance, food pantry, and rental assistance. It was also
noted by Ms. Corrieri that there are different limitations for each food pantry in Ames, so the
volunteers did not have any issues with funding another food pantry.
According to Ms. Mundt, HIRTA is now providing transportation (transferred from Heartland
to HIRTA in 2012). Therefore, there was a decrease in the allocation to Heartland, but HIRTA
was added. There is an overall increase (approximately $11,500), which represents additional
costs for meals provided by Heartland.
Ms. Mundt reiterated that the City’s portion of the ASSET’s budget is down by approximately
7.13%. The amount being recommended for funding is10.91% or $116,566 less than authorized
by the Council. However, if you pull out the substance abuse and mental health changes, overall
it is up approximately 6.29%. Approximately $24,500 was for the new Salvation Army services,
all of Youth and Shelter Services’ (YSS) requests are up slightly, Homeward is also increased
due to the cost of meals being provided, Legal Aid requested a larger increase in funds, and
NAMI requested an additional $1,000 for its mental health wellness center.
Council Member Orazem asked if there would be a greater demand placed on the big brother/big
sister-type services being offered by YSS now that the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization
is pulling out, and if so, was that incorporated into the planning. Ms. Mundt advised that during
the ASSET process, YSS increased its request. Since it was just learned that Big Brothers and
Big Sisters was phasing out its services, the demand for the services from YSS is not yet known.
Ms. Corrieri added that, due to the way Big Brothers and Big Sisters operates (now out of its
regional office), not all “matches” will automatically move to YSS.
Council Member Larson pointed out that the City’s funding recommendation is down almost
10% from what the Council had allocated. He noted that the problems – both in mental health
and substance abuse – are still there. It was questioned by Mr. Larson as to whether the City has
the ability to set aside some of the funding that was originally allocated towards human services
to a specific program so that as ASSET studies the needs over the next few months, there would
be funding available. He acknowledged that Eyerly Ball was so new to the community, it was
difficult to know yet how that will work out. Eyerly Ball has indicated that it has grants and
other forms of aid and funds to take care of what the City thought it would have to pay for, so
if there are other services that they or other agencies could provide to help with the mental health
issues that are occurring in the community, those set-aside funds could be used.
Council Member Szopinski said there are a lot of unknowns because the state is regionalizing
services for domestic violence shelters. She thought that the City might need some funding for
that, and it is not known if additional monies will be needed for mental health services. Ms.
Szopinski pointed out that the Council allocated a 3% increase in November 2012, which would
equate to approximately $1,184,000. If everything recommended by the volunteers was funded,
it would still leave approximately $116,500 that could be put aside in a fund for the unknowns
that might come in at a future date.
Council Member Goodman noted that it had been determined at the Council’s Goal-Setting
Session that the Council would be meeting next year with the ASSET volunteers much earlier
in the process. He was unsure if the funds needed to be kept in the ASSET fund now as long as
that amount in the Local Option Sales Tax fund is accessible. Mr. Goodman pointed out that
money is normally not set aside for ASSET because funds are allocated based on services to be
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received; in this case, the services are yet unknown.
Ms. Mundt identified three “challenges” that she requested the Council keep in mind. The first
was that the ACCESS Shelter is in the middle of changes at the state level for funding of its
services. Staff has been asked to monitor those changes and keep the funders up to date on
emergency shelter services in Story County. The Executive Director of ACCESS was requesting
an additional $16,758 in funding for next fiscal year to help keep the Shelter open in Ames.
Story County and United Way had also been asked for additional funding as had Boone and
Greene Counties. At this time, it is unknown if those other governmental agencies will provide
monetary support. The 2013/14 funding recommendation does not include dollars to support
the Shelter beyond what the City is currently allocating in 2012/13. Ms. Mundt said that the
Council will need to consider any additional support for 2013/14 outside of the ASSET process.
She noted that if the Council was interested in setting aside funding, that would be a need that
fits in with the priority areas.
Concerning substance abuse and mental health services areas, Ms. Mundt advised that there are
a few participants that qualify under the IDPH grant, Medicaid, or private insurance. She also
stated that CFR receives an IDPH block grant for substance abuse services and coordinates for
service with YSS for the portion of the IDPH grant to cover up to 18 years of age. Because the
volunteers decided not to fund CFR, it has been recommended that ASSET Administrative Team
review the additional funding that was set aside for those same services to YSS. The 2013/14
recommendation includes funding should it be determined to be providing services above and
beyond the IDPH requirements.
It was noted that the $52,051 that was set aside by the City in 2012/13 had not been drawn down
for mental health services. Eyerly Ball has requested funds from the City for 2013/14 and
volunteers have recommended $12,875 for crisis outpatient services, which is significantly less
than what had been provided to The Richmond Center, the County’s former mental health
provider. The 2013/14 recommendation reflects the $39,176 decreased request to the City for
mental health services. Other organizations did not substantially draw down all of their City
funding during 2011/12 and several have not drawn down any funds year to date. Those
organizations were American Red Cross and CFR.
In summary, Ms. Mundt noted that the services meeting City priorities and serving Ames
residents generally received increases, while others were held flat.
City Manager Schainker explained options that would be possible; however, recommended that
the funds be allocated directly to the human services agencies and kept within the ASSET
process, not set aside in the Local Option Sales Tax fund.
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION (PAC): Greg Fuqua, Chairperson of PAC, and Commission
Member Allison Sheridan presented a funding request in the amount of $33,500 for FY 2013/14.
Mr. Fuqua highlighted the accomplishments of the PAC for 2012/13. He announced that the Art
Around the Corner program has now officially transitioned its name to the Ames Annual
Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition.
City Manager Schainker noted that the 2012/13 and 2013/14 Budgets already have a built-in
allocation of $33,500/year.
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OUTSIDE FUNDING REQUESTS: Brian Phillips, Management Analyst, said that this is the
second year that the outside funding request evaluation process has been used. This year, eight
applications for funding were received; two were student-related event and those went through
the Student Affairs Commission to be evaluated, and the remainder were general community
applications. The team of staff and residents had met and discussed the general community
grants. Four of the requests for funding: Ames International Partner Cities, Campustown Action
Association, ISU Homecoming, and VEISHEA were in the same amount as in the current year.
Hunziker Youth Sports Complex and Main Street Cultural District (MSCD) requested funding
in an amount higher than last year’s request. According to Mr. Phillips, the funding panel
recommended that those two entities receive an additional $1,000/year each over the current
year. A new organization, the Ames Chamber of Commerce, made application this year for
funding towards designing signage on Interstate 35. The Ames Historical Society submitted two
different applications for funding: one was its usual request for operations funding, which
included a slight increase; and the second was for funding of a part-time curator to help manage
the collection. The funding panel recommended that the Council fund the curator position and
benefits for a total increase of $8,000 of what was allocated in the current year.
Council Member Davis expressed his concern about the funding request for the VEISHEA
pancake feed. When the event began in approximately 2004, he noted that the intent was to
provide an alcohol-free event during VEISHEA. However, now, they are requesting funding
for the cost of renting tents, tables, and chairs, which is different than the original purpose. Mr.
Davis said that he had found out that VEISHEA is charging students $4.00/person, but their cost
is approximately $3.25/person; therefore, it appears that they are making money on the
pancakes.
Mr. Phillips reported that when VEISHEA submitted its request for a draw-down, the City asked
for records to support that payment; that included the invoice from the pancake vendor and rental
of all accessories required to host the event. Since the rentals are used for the entire week of
VEISHEA, the amount charged was broken down to a daily basis. According to Mr. Phillips, the
$8,000 being requested from the City does not cover the total expenses of the pancake feed.
Even with charging $4/person, there still is a deficit. Ex officio Member Baker advised that the
rentals are only going to be used this year for the two pancake feeds; therefore, the funding
would not be subsidizing equipment for any other events during VEISHEA.
Council Member Larson said that initially the City partnered with the Chamber of Commerce
and the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and staff from those entities served the pancakes. That
presented not only a good opportunity to meet students, but also showed the partnerships among
entities; however, now the City is just a funding source.
Council Member Davis said he is supportive of VEISHEA; however, organizers need to
understand that the City’s funding needs to go towards the serving of pancakes and providing
an alcohol-free event, not necessarily making money to support other events at VEISHEA.
Council Member Wacha recalled that another reason the pancake feed originated was to draw
people away from Campustown at one or two in the morning. He would rather increase the
City’s funding if it meant a lower cost to students. Council Member Goodman said a good
compromise would be for the City Council to ask that the money be used to buy-down the cost
of the pancakes and they should look for funding elsewhere if there are other needs.
Management Analyst Phillips said that he will meet with VEISHEA representatives and pass
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along that information. When the contract is prepared, it will be included. He also reminded
Council that what was just decided will be for 2013/14, not this spring.
Mr. Phillips shared that the attendance in 2012 at this event was 2,405 and in 2011, 2,594. The
Student Affairs Commission did not have a quorum on the night this was discussed, but those
present had recommended funding in the amount of $8,000.
In summary, Mr. Phillips reported that, overall, this represents an increase of $13,200 compared
to FY 2012/13, which includes adding a new organization to the list.
Additional Requests for the FY 2013/14 Budget: Management Analyst Phillips noted the
request from Ames Historical Society pertaining to the Ames Sesquicentennial. He noted that
staff had discussed the request with the Historical Society. Representatives noted that they were
making the request on behalf of the community, not necessarily from the Ames Historical
Society.
City Manager Schainker noted that the following requests could be funded from Special
Allocations: request pertaining to fireworks: $10,000; Buxton (sharing with AEDC): $7,500, and
request for the Sesquicentennial: $3,000-$5,000. He pointed out that the AHS letter asked for
two years’ support pertaining to the Sesquicentennial; however, the City only allocates for one
year at a time.
COMMUNITY AND STUDENT GRANT REQUESTS: Mayor Campbell asked if there was
anyone who wished to speak regarding community and student grant requests.
Ames Historical Society. Mary Atherly, 2150 Ashmore Court, Ames, and Sharon Wirth, 803
Burnett, Ames, were present. Ms. Atherly informed the Council that, since the Historical
Society had submitted the request, participation commitments had been received from the Ames
Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Cultural District,
Ames Tribune, and the Jaycees; however, monetary contributions had not yet been determined.
She advised that the two-year budget had been proposed because some entities are on a calendar-
year budget while the City is on a fiscal year; they hope to get some things done by January 2014
in order to be ready for Summer 2014. Ms. Atherly noted the amount being requested for
2013/14 is $5,000 and $5,000 for 2014/15.
City Manager Schainker asked which group would be taking the lead for this event as the City
would need to enter into a contract with an entity if the Council decides to fund the event. Ms.
Atherly advised that the Ames Historical Society (AHS) is taking the lead.
Ames Historic Preservation Commission. As the Chairperson of the Ames Historic Preservation
Commission (HPC), Ms. Wirth brought the Council’s attention to the HPC’s request of $2,000 -
$5,000 for educational activities (community-wide workshops and publications/grant match).
She noted that that request had not been included in the Community and Student Grant Requests.
Ms. Wirth said there should be three requests: (1) $2,000, which is folded into the Planning and
Housing Department budget; (2) $2,000 - $5,000 for additional community-wide education; and
(3) $7,000 from the Ames Historic Preservation Commission budget to go to the Ames
Historical Society for the part-time curator.
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Mr. Schainker said that $2,000 for the HPC had already been built into the budget. However, the
$2,000 - 5,000 for community-wide education and$7,000 for the AHS curator position had not
been built in. Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred clarified that the $2,000 for operational funds
was for mandated training and educational activities.
PUBLIC INPUT ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN (CIP): Pertaining to the request of
Ames Community Pre-School (ACPC) for a playground structure at its new location (Willson-
Beardshear), Sue Wuhs, Director of ACPC, said she had been told that there were questions
about the amount that should be paid by ACPC. Ms. Wuhs noted that the questions had centered
around the fact that, unlike elementary schools, the ACPC was open year-round from morning
until 6:00 p.m.; therefore, it would not be available to the general public during those times. City
Manager Schainker said that it would be different than the funding share agreement with Ames
public schools. Ms. Wuhs said she could not totally commit to a monetary amount to be
contributed by ACPC. She suggested that the ACPC pay one-third, but that it not need to be
collected under after January, 2014. She is hoping that the playground could be completed in this
fiscal year. Mr. Schainker advised that he had recommended $30,000 be allocated for this
purpose. He clarified that the City would not purchase the structure or be responsible for
liability. The way it is envisioned to work would be similar to the arrangement with the School
District. It would not be a City park. The City’s contribution would be made to ACPC, and
ACPC would purchase and install the playground equipment.
Council Member Orazem verified that the playground would be located on ACPC’s property,
but would be made available to the City after hours. City Manager Schainker said right now, the
funds would just be allocated, and the details worked out later.
Council Member Goodman asked if ACPC would invest in playground equipment if it had not
made the request to the Council. Ms. Wuhs advised that the one structure they do have is too old
to move. The swing set could be moved. She said that they would have to make the investment,
but it would be years out. According to Ms. Wuhs, the neighborhood had approached her asking
for a piece of the land just purchased by ACPC to be donated for use as a park. She said they
were not in a position to be giving away land, but the sharing of the playground could be a good
compromise.
Council Member Goodman pointed out that the five additional requests (Sesquicentennial,
Buxton, I-35 signage, fireworks, and AHS community education) had missed the deadline for
the grant process. It was noted that the funding panel had been brought back together to evaluate
those four.
SALARIES FOR COUNCIL APPOINTEES: Council Member Davis reported on the evaluation
process for City Council appointee Steve Schainker, City Manager. Mayor Campbell noted that
the other Council appointee position, the City Attorney, was currently vacant.
Mr. Davis stated that he and Council Member Orazem had comprised the evaluation team; but
they had received feedback from the Mayor and other Council members. On behalf of the Mayor
and City Council, Mr. Davis commended City Manager Schainker for the excellent job he has
done during the past years.
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Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to set the following appointee’s salary for FY 2013/14:
Base Pay for City Manager:$188,358.40
and follow his contract pertaining to benefits.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
AMENDMENTS TO 2013/18 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN (CIP): Moved by
Goodman, seconded by Davis, to add a new Roosevelt Neighborhood Park Development CIP
page with funding in the amount of $80,000 from the Local Option Sales Tax.
Council Member Wacha said he would support adding this item to the CIP, but noted his
concern that, for this particular neighborhood, the City had already spent $300,000 on renovating
the tennis courts at Brookside, and now $80,000 was going to be spent for a new park in the
same neighborhood. In addition, there has been discussion about potentially installing lights on
the tennis courts, and there is a possibility that additional monies will be requested for a stage
at Roosevelt. He acknowledged that these things are benefits for the City, as a whole, but
believed, at some point, the Council needed to start thinking about equity among the
neighborhoods. Council Member Goodman added that he viewed the tennis courts in Brookside
Park as a very community-wide asset. It is his opinion that what is being requested to be funded
in this case is a neighborhood “magnet”to bring neighbors together. He noted that strengthening
neighborhoods is a priority of the City Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Davis to show a $10,000 revenue source as ACPC had committed to paying one-third
of $30,000 or whatever the cost would be. Motion died for lack of a second.
City Manager Schainker advised that it was better to show the $30,000 now. A separate
agreement would be entered into before the money was spent that will show how much of a
contribution was to be made by ACPC and by when. Council Member Larson cited his
preference to do it that way because he would like to explore other options, i.e., perhaps a couple
pieces of equipment that would be located outside of the fenced-in area of ACPC.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to amend the Playground/Park Equipment Improvements
project CIP page to add $30,000 from Local Option Sales Tax in 2013/14 for play equipment
at Ames Community Preschool Center.
Noting that there are many private preschools in Ames and others have done fund-raisers for
playground equipment, Council Member Goodman said he preferred a 50/50 share, especially
in light of the fact that there would be restricted access during most of the day. He also believes
that ACPC would make its own investment in playground equipment eventually. Mr. Goodman
relayed that he would be supporting the dollars, but hoped for further conversation on this item
to see what the City receives in exchange for its investment. Mayor Campbell noted that the
difference was that ACPC would actually be located on a former school property and the City
has a partnership with schools for playground equipment.
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Vote on Motion: 5-0-1. Voting aye: Davis, Goodman, Larson, Orazem, Szopinski. Voting nay:
None. Abstaining due to a lack of interest: Wacha. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Orazem, to amend the Resource Recovery Primary Shredder
Replacement project CIP page to change the source of funding in FY 2013/14 ($1,000,000) from
the Resource Recovery Fund to G.O. Bonds abated by Resource Recovery revenues.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Szopinski, to amend the PDS Cyclone [sprinkler replacement]
CIP page to change Phase I and II to now show $205,370 in the first year and $300,000 in the
second year and change the funding source from the Resource Recovery Fund to G.O. Bonds
abated by Resource Recovery revenues.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Szopinski, seconded by Goodman, to amend the Resource Recovery System
Improvements CIP page to change the funding source for the first year ($150,000) to G. O.
Bonds abated by Resource Recovery revenues.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to amend the Transit Building Expansion and
Modernization CIP page to reduce the Federal Transit Administration funding from $2,049,581
to $2,020,781 for FY 2013/14.
Vote on Motion: 6-0 Motion declared carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF 2013/18 CIP, AS AMENDED: Moved by Davis, seconded by Wacha, to
approve the Capital Improvements Plan for 2013/18, as amended.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
AMENDMENTS TO FY 2012/13 BUDGET: Purchasing Director Duane Pitcher advised that all
of the amendments were included in the draft Budget and reviewed at each department’s hearing.
There were no recommended changes.
APPROVAL OF BUDGET FOR FY 2012/13, AS AMENDED: Moved by Larson, seconded by
Goodman, to approve the FY 2012/13 budget, as amended.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE ON BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR FY 2012/13:
Moved by Davis, seconded by Wacha, to set March 5, 2013, as the date of public hearing on the
proposed budget amendments for FY 2012/13.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSED FY 2013/14 BUDGET: Moved by Goodman, seconded by
Orazem, to approve funding to the Commission on The Arts (COTA) in the amount of $140,879.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Szopinski, seconded by Goodman, to approve funding to ASSET in the amount of
$1,184,786, with the understanding that $116,000 be held in reserve for unforeseen costs.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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Moved by Goodman, seconded by Orazem, to approve funding to the Public Art Commission
in the amount of $33,500.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Orazem, to approve outside funding requests in the total
amount of $123,200 out of Special Allocations from Local Option Sales Tax.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Wacha, to approve the funding request of the Historical Society
Sesquicentennial Committee in the amount of $5,000 out of Local Option Sales Tax.
Council Member Larson said he was concerned that none of the “other players” had committed
to any dollar amount.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Goodman shared his opinion that the requesting agencies that come in after the
deadline for the outside funding requests go through a less rigorous process than those who
comply with the deadline.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Davis, to approve the request of the Ames Convention &
Visitors Bureau in the amount of $10,000 for 4 of July Fireworks out of 2013/14 Councilth
Contingency.
It was noted by several Council members that this was expected to be a one-time funding
allocation. In this case, the normal coordinating agency, the Jaycees, indicated that it would no
longer be involved in the funding.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Davis, to allocate $7,500, with a match from the Ames
Economic Development Commission, for funding the annual subscription for retail modeling
data from Buxton, to be allocated from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund.
Council Member Szopinski said that she did not have enough information to feel comfortable
recommending funding. She said she really needed some sense of how much this retail modeling
had been used in Ames. Council Member Goodman indicated his opposition to allocating this
funding as he felt that large retailers already have their own data. Council Member Wacha
agreed with that statement, but said small retailers would not have the data and would ask for
it. Council Member Larson said that if it was found to be utilized after one year and the City got
good results, it would be money well-spent. He noted however, that the City had shared the
initial up-front costs with the Chamber/AEDC in the amount of $17,500. Council Member Davis
noted that he did not want to lose the $17,500 initial investment by ending the subscription now.
Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting aye: Davis, Larson, Orazem, Wacha. Voting nay: Goodman,
Szopinski. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Davis, to allocate $3,000 towards the community education
program for the Ames Historic Preservation Commission, to be allocated from Special
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Allocations for Local Options Sales Tax.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY 2013/14, AS AMENDED: Moved by Orazem,
seconded by Szopinski, to approve the proposed 2013/14 Budget, as amended.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE ON PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY 2013/14: Moved by
Davis, seconded by Orazem, to set March 5, 2013, as the date of public hearing on the proposed
budget for FY 2013/14.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting recessed at 7:40 p.m. and reconvened at 7:53 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
Due to a conflict of interest, Council Member Larson requested to pull Item No. 8, the 2013 Urban
Revitalization tax abatement requests. Council Member Wacha asked to pull Item No. 19 due to a
conflict of interest. That item pertained to the Plat of Survey for 2826, 2904, 2912 South Loop Drive
and 2900 University Boulevard, which is WebFilings. Council Member Szopinski requested that
Item No. 20, approval of the Final Minor Plat for Ames Middle School Subdivision, Plat 2, be
discussed separately.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Davis, seconded by Goodman, to approve the following items
on the Consent Agenda:
1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.M otion a pproving M inutes of Specia l M ee tings of January 19, Fe bruary 1, 5, 6, and 7, 2013 , and
Reg ular M eeting of Ja nuary 22, 20 13
3 .M o tio n ap pro ving certification of civil serv ice ap p lican ts
4.M otion approving Report of Contract Change Or der s for January 1 6-31, 2013
5.M otion approv ing renew al of the follow ing beer permits, w ine p ermits, and liqu or licenses:
a.Cla ss E Liquor, C Beer, and B W ine – Far ew a y Store #386, 61 9 Burnett Avenue
b.C lass E L iqu or, C B eer, and B W ine – Farew ay S tore #0 93 , 36 19 Stang e R oad
c.C lass C L iqu or – E l A zteca, 27 27 Stang e Road
d.C lass B L iqu or – H oliday Inn A m es, 26 09 U niversity B ou levard
e.C lass C B eer and B W ine – G atew ay E xp resse, 24 00 U niversity B ou levard
f.Cla ss E Liquor, C Bee r, and B W ine – W a l-M ar t Superce nter #4256, 53 4 South Duff Aven ue
g.Cla ss C Liquor & Outdoor Servic e – Buf falo W ild W ings, 40 0 Sou th Duff Aven ue
h.Specia l Cla ss C Liquor w / O utdoor Service – Stomping G r ound s, 303 W e lch A ve nue, #1 01
6.M otion a pproving s ubmission of a pplication for 2013/14 Gove rnor’s Tr affic Safe ty Burea u 405c
G rant, and if aw arded, authorizing partic ipation by Police Depar tmen t
7.M otion approv ing the 2 01 2 R esou rce R ecov ery A nn ual Rep ort
8.RESO LU TIO N NO . 13-040 approving Tr affic Safe ty Improvement Program (TSI P) Agr eement
w ith Iow a D O T for 20 12 /13 Traffic Sign al Pro gram (L inco ln W ay an d H ayw ard A ven ue)
9.R E S O L U T IO N N O . 13 -04 1 setting date of pu blic hearing for F ebruary 26, 20 12 , on G eneral
O bliga tion (G .O .) Corporate Purpose Loan Agreement in an amount not to excee d $10,000,000
for the p urp ose o f pay ing the cost of con structing im pro vem ents to streets and solid w aste disposal
facilities and o f refun ding the o utstand ing b alances o f the C ity’s G .O . C orp orate Pu rpo se B on ds,
Se rie s 20 04; and G .O . Corporate Purpose and Refunding Bonds, Se rie s 20 05A
10.RESO LU TIO N NO . 13 -042 a pproving preliminary p lans and spe cif ications for Asbestos
M aintenance Services for Power Plant; setting M arch 1 3, 20 13, as bid due date and M arch 26,
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2013, as date of public hearing
1 1 .RE S OLUTION NO. 13 -0 4 3 ap p ro v in g pre liminar y p lan s and sp e cif icatio n s fo r 20 1 2/1 3 Lo w-
Point Drainage Pr ogram (O liver Ci rcle); s etting M arch 20, 2013, as bid due da te and M arch 26,
2013, as date of public hearing
1 2 .R E S O L U T IO N N O . 13 -0 4 4 app rov ing prelim ina ry plan s an d sp ecificatio n s for 2 0 12 /13 A sp h alt
S treet R econ struction P rog ram (Pierce C ou rt/W estben d D rive/So uthb end D rive); setting M arch
20, 20 13, as bid due date and M ar ch 26, 20 13, as date of public hearing
1 3 .R E S O L U T IO N N O . 1 3 -0 4 5 aw ard ing a co n tract for en gine ering d esi g n serv ices to R en ew ab le
Resource Consultants of M aple G rove, M innesota, in an amount not to exce ed $99,400.00 for
P h ase 1 R eso u rce R eco v ery P rim ary Sh red d er R ep lacem en t
14.RESOLUTION NO. 1 3-046 waiving purchasing p olicy requiremen t for Reques t for Proposals and
aw arding a con tract for tim e and materials in an amo un t no t to exceed $2 56 ,87 0.00 to G eneral
E lectric In ternation al, Inc., of O m aha, N ebraska, for prov iding techn ical direction for S team
Turbine No. 8 O ve rha ul
15 .R E S O L U T IO N N O . 1 3-0 46 aw arding a con tract to W esco D istribu tion of D es M oines, Iow a, at
an estimate d total cost of $65,640 for Compact Copper Cable and to RESCO Distribution of
A nk eny, Iow a, at an estim ated total cost of $1 1,00 0.10 for C op per W ire for Electric Services
16 .R E S O L U T IO N N O . 13 -04 7 aw arding a con tract to M itsub ishi Electric of W arrend ale,
Pe nnsylvania , in the amount of $52,873.01 for 69 -kV Brea ker Repla cement
17.RESO LU TIO N NO . 13-048 approving a contract and bond for Ste am Turbine No. 8 O ve rha ul
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of the Minutes.
2013 URBAN REVITALIZATION TAX ABATEMENT REQUESTS: Council Member Larson
noted that he requested to pull this item due to a conflict of interest.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Wacha, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 13-039 approving the 2013
Urban Revitalization tax abatement requests.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1. Voting aye: Davis, Goodman, Orazem, Szopinski, Wacha. Voting nay:
None. Abstaining due to a conflict of interest: Larson. Resolution declared adopted, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PLAT OF SURVEY FOR 2826 , 2904 , 2912 SOU TH LO OP DR IVE AN D 2900 UNI VER SITY
B OUL EVARD: M oved b y Lar son, se conded b y Or azem, to adopt RESO LU TIO N NO . 13 -049
ap p ro v ing the P lat o f S urv ey for 2 82 6 , 2 9 04 , an d 29 1 2 S o u th L o o p D riv e an d 2 90 0 U n iversity
B ou levard
Vote on Motion: 5-0-1. Voting aye: Davis, Goodman, Larson, Orazem, Wacha. Voting nay:
None. Abstaining: Wacha. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these Minutes.
MINOR FINAL PLAT FOR AMES MIDDLE SCHOOL SUBDIVISION, PLAT 2: Council
Member Szopinski said that she had attended heard the concerns of a number of residents of the
neighborhood around the former Middle School property. She asked for an explanation of what
action was being requested at this meeting and the next steps in the process.
Planner Benson advised that when the new Middle School was built, there was a strip of 25 acres
extending from Mortensen Road to State Street. The School has decided to sell a part of that
land. In order to do that, the land has to be subdivided. Once the Minor Final Plat is recorded,
that separated parcel will be sold to Breckinridge Development, Incorporated, along with the
portion of the property that the former Middle School sits on and the piece of property on
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Lincoln Way that is called the “practice field.” The property would all be zoned Government-
Airport, and once a private party owns it, it would have to be rezoned. That process would
include an application to the City, and depending on what zoning was requested, it could be
brought back to the Council for determination of whether it wanted a Master Plan created to be
considered along with the rezoning request. From there, it would be acted on by the Planning
& Zoning Commission for recommendation and then back to the City Council for action on the
rezoning.
Ms. Szopinski clarified that the Council could ask for a Master Plan, which would provide a plan
for the property’s use before proceeding with the rezoning.
Moved by Szopinski, seconded by Larson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 13-050 approving the
Minor Final Plat for the Ames Middle School, Plat 2.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one spoke during this time.
BEER PERMIT & OUTDOOR SERVICE FOR HOMEWOOD GOLF COURSE: Moved by
Davis, seconded by Orazem, to approve the C las s B Beer Per mit & Outdoor Se rvice for
H o m ew oo d G olf C ou rse, 40 1 E ast 20 S treet.th
V ote on M otion: 6-0. M otion decla red carried u nanimously.
LIQUOR LICENS E & OUTDOOR S ERVICE F OR CAZADOR: M oved by D avis, sec onded b y
G o o d m a n , to a p p ro v e a C lass C L iqu o r L icen se & O u tdo or Serv ice fo r C azad o r, 36 0 5 L inc o ln
W ay.
V ote on M otion: 6-0. M otion decla red carried u nanimously.
LIQU OR LI CEN SE & OU TDO OR SERVICE FOR CY ’S ROO ST: M oved b y Goodman,
s econded by Larson, to approve a Cla ss C Li quor Lice ns e & O utdoor Se rvice for Cy’s Roost, 121
W elch A ven ue.
V ote on M otion: 6-0. M otion decla red carried u nanimously.
W AIVE R OF S UB DIVIS ION RE GUL AT IONS F OR 34 9 1 C AMER ON S CHO OL R OAD:
P lan n er C harlie K uester adv ised that Jim C lark is the ow ner of the prop erty in qu estion . H e is
proposing to se ll the land to a de veloper , w ho is looking at a 19-lot s ubdivision that would include
16 reside ntia l lots and three outlots for stormw ater management. The proper ty is loca t ed in the
Rural Transitional Ar e a of the Urba n Fringe Plan. The U rban Fringe Pla n and the 28 -E Agr eement
indicate that the area could p os sibly be annexed to the City o f A mes dur ing the lif etime of the
P lan. M r. K uester also no ted that subd ivision w aivers m ay b e app rov ed o n a case-by -case basis.
A c cording to Planner Kuester , in the past, s taf f had recommen ded, and Council had approved, the
w aiver of all design and imp rov em ent stand ards of the S ub division O rdinance in the R ural
T ran sitio nal A rea, w h ich m ean s th at the d ev elop m en t m ust m eet the C o un ty’s stan d ard s. In this
case, because there is already den se dev elop m ent on C am eron Sch oo l R oad and it is located closer
to the growth are as of the City o f Am es, staff is s ugges ting tha t some, bu t not all, of the design
and im pro vem ent stand ards be w aived . C ertain stand ards pertaining to street w idths, street righ ts-
of-wa y, through-streets, cul-de-sac s, sho uld be retained to prov ide sanitary sewer a ccess in the
future and also contain c ontrol over any street lights that might be ins talled in the a rea . The intent
is that it w ill be a rural sub division on rural w ater and septic system s; ho w ev er, the three
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Covenants have been signed per taining to disconnecting from rural w ater, s eeking annexation, and
pay ing their share of any assessm ent for future utilities.
C o u n c il M e m b e r S zo pins k i stated her desire fo r staff to lo o k at sto rm w ater m an ag em en t, so il
erosion , and con cerns for the w atershed ; sh e believes that tho se shou ld n ot be w aived . Tracy
W ar ner , Ci vil Enginee r, note d that the property owner w ould still have to have a soil er os ion
pla n. Subdivisions in the County do n ot have to follow A mes’ standards, but have to me et the
stan d ard s o f the D ep artm en t of N atu ral R eso u rces gen eral p erm it. A t the inq u iry o f C ou n cil
M em ber Szo pinsk i, M s. W arner adv ised that the C ity m ay n ot regu late ph osp ho rou s; that is state-
re gula ted.
M oved by Goodman, s econde d by O r azem, to adopt RESO LU TI O N NO . 13-051 approving a
w aiver for tho se po rtion s of D ivision IV D esign and Im pro vem ent Stand ards of the A m es
S ub division R egu lation s for the su bd ivision prop osed by the B ella H olding s, LL C , located at
34 91 C am eron Sch oo l R oad , as follow s:
1.Se ction 23.402 Residential Subd ivision Landsca ping Standar ds
2.S ection 23.40 3 S treets, but retain com pliance w ith requ iremen ts for street w idth, street righ t-of-
w a y, through str eets, and cul-de-sac s le ngths
3 .S ectio n 23 .4 0 4 W ater S u p p ly
4 .S ectio n 23 .4 0 5 S a n itary Sew er, b u t retain a requ irem en t that a san itary sew er easem en t is
iden tified an d n oted for a po ssible future line to con nect the hom es to C am eron Sch oo l R oad
5.Se ction 23.406 Elec tric Distr ibution and Stre et Lighting Standards, but reta in International Dark-
Sky Ass ocia tion fixture or equivalent
6.Se ction 23.407 Storm W ate r M anagement
7.Se ction 23.408 Soil Erosion a nd Se dimentation Contr ol
8.S ection 23 .40 9 Im pro vem ent G uarantees
w ith the additional requir emen t that the applica tion for the Preliminary Plat be submitted to the
C ity w ithin six m on ths.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
TAX ABATEMENT FOR 127 STANTON: City Planner Jeff Benson gave the background of the
tax abatement request for 127 Stanton; that address lies within the Campustown Urban
Revitalization Area (URA). He noted that each property must qualify for tax exemption under
the matrix adopted by the City Council for that URA. Owners who have improved property
within the City’s URAs in the previous year may apply for tax exemption on the incremental
added value of their properties. The project in question is located at 127 Stanton Avenue (The
Resort). It lies south of the Legacy Tower next to a building that has 92 residential units.
Attorney Vicki Feilmeyer, 1416 Buckeye Avenue, Suite 200, Ames, reported that the applicant
has to file its application for tax abatement by February 1 so that it can be forwarded to the
Assessor by March 1, 2013. By April 15, the Assessor then has to make a determination as to
how much value has been added. According to Ms. Feilmeyer, her client has added value
(improvements) of $1.6 million to the building, which had been determined to be in a slum or
blighted area. She alleged that delaying the tax abatement for one year is a major issue to her
client.
Ms. Feilmeyer told the Council that she agreed with the staff report up to the point where it
states that the screens must be installed on 119 Stanton in order to qualify for the abatement.
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She pointed out that the property seeking abatement is located at 127 Stanton; thus it has nothing
to do with 119 Stanton. The installation of screens at 119 Stanton was a promise that was
extracted from her client last May. It was alleged by Ms. Feilmeyer that there is nothing in the
previous staff report, in the City’s Resolution No. 12-272, in the state statute, or in any planning
document that actually imposes a deadline for the installation of screens on 119 Stanton or even
the equivalent criteria. Ms. Feilmeyer believes that her client has done everything that, by
Resolution No. 12-272, was required. She noted that two conditions were imposed in the
Resolution: (1) construction of the building at 127 Stanton pursuant to the Minor Site
Development Plan, which has been done; and (2) that a covenant be executed that promises that
the screens would be installed at 119 Stanton; it has been signed. According to Ms. Feilmeyer,
the covenant could have imposed some sort of a deadline, but it didn’t. The City Attorney had
prepared the covenant and presented it to her client.
The Council was informed that all materials for the screens have been ordered and labor to
install them has been arranged. The Building Permit has been applied for; however, not yet
approved. Considerable amounts of money was expended designing the appropriate screening
for 119 Stanton. The improvements to 119 Stanton will equate to a six-figure dollar amount as
well. Ms. Feilmeyer reported that her client is not asking to be excused from the requirement.
She said that they were simply asking the Council to take action to extend the deadline imposed
by the Planning Department. It is Ms. Feilmeyer’s contention that the project conforms to the
requirements of the Campustown URA Plan. She acknowledged that the URA Plan allows the
Council to impose equivalent criteria and that the screening requirement was one of those
criteria, but neither the Plan nor the previous actions of the Council impose any deadline on the
installation of the screens. It was Ms. Feilmeyer’s contention that there was no reason for the
equivalent criteria to be tied to a February 1 date. She stated that the one and only reason that
state law refers to that deadline is to enable the Assessor to determine whether the improvements
added value to the property. Quoting Iowa Code 404 pertaining to urban revitalization, it was
alleged by Ms. Feilmeyer that the law never contemplated that there would be equivalent
criteria. She said that there was no question that the qualifying real estate in this case is the
property at 127 Stanton.
According to Ms. Feilmeyer, her client was not advised as to a January 31 deadline until an
email was written in November 2012.
Ms. Feilmeyer asked that the City Council recognized that her client had acted in good faith and
in reliance on the City Council’s action under Resolution No. 12-272. It is her belief that the
City is fully protected under the covenant and guaranteed that the screens at 119 Stanton will be
installed, and there is no legal reason for the City to hold up the abatement. It was the further
request of Ms. Feilmeyer that the Council forward the approved applications to the Assessor by
March 1, 2013, regardless of whether the screens have been installed at 119 Stanton.
Council Member Wacha stated his concern about ensuring that the screens are actually installed.
He wanted to have assurance that the project will be completed as originally agreed to if the
abatement is approved at this meeting. Ms. Feilmeyer said that the covenant ensures that it will
happen; it is a binding agreement.
Council Member Goodman said he believed that the basic intent of the Council’s action to
require the screens on 119 Stanton was to make the space safe. He suggested that the City and
15
the developer enter into some type of agreement to install the screens to make the property safe
by a certain date; if that didn’t occur, the developer would have to pay the abatement back.
Council Member Larson asked what was keeping the screens from being installed on 119
Stanton simultaneously with the construction of 127 Stanton. Ms. Feilmeyer stated that her client
had worked very hard to design screens that would satisfy the Planning and Housing
Department. Mr. Larson pointed out that the developer would still get the full tax abatement, just
not for 2013. He noted that much discussion had been held on this matter and felt that the
abatement would be approved conditioned on having the screening in place. That, to him, means
that the abatement should not begin until the project is finished, including the screens on 119
Stanton.
After being asked by Council Member Davis what recourse the City had if the screens did not
get installed on 119 Stanton, Ms. Feilmeyer replied that the City could always sue the developer.
Citing the City’s fiduciary responsibility of spending taxpayers’ money judiciously, Council
Member Davis took offense to that answer.
Acting City Attorney Judy Parks stated that an application for tax abatement needs to be made
by a certain deadline (February 1) and the Council then must act within a month to certify it to
the Assessor. The City has no proof that the screens are on order; however, it would not be
objectionable to see what gets done by the developer prior to March 1. Perhaps if there was
proof that the screens had been ordered, the City would be in a better position to believe that
they would be installed by March 31, which is the date that Ms. Feilmeyer said the screens
would be installed.
Council Member Larson stated that he could approve the abatement and allow an extension of
time for installation of the screens if it could be determined that the City was somehow holding
up the process of getting the screens being installed. He believed that the developer knew from
the beginning what the requirements were and it just didn’t get done. Mr. Larson contended that
the developer should be made to live by the agreement and the intent of the agreement.
Council Member Goodman again stated that the intent was that safety concerns do not arise. He
noted that if abatement was not granted for this year, the developer could postpone the
installation of the screens. The buildings would be occupied, and something bad could happen
this year. The common good is not served if the City doesn’t use its leverage, which is the value
of the abatement, to achieve the goal of the Council; that is safety on the property. Council
Member Orazem concurred with Mr. Goodman.
Council Member Wacha stated his disappointment that Ms. Feilmeyer threatened a lawsuit in
trying to convince the Council and get what she wanted.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Szopinski, to ask staff to work with the owners of the
property to come up with an agreement that approves the abatement, but in the agreement there
would be a clawback so if the safety measures are not implemented before the property is
opened, the City would be reimbursed for the amount of the abatement.
Upon being questioned, Planner Benson noted that the Occupancy Permits for both 119 and 127
Stanton had been granted. Council Member Szopinski said that she did not want the facility to
open without the screens in place. Ms. Feilmeyer advised that she is unsure when the indoor
16
portion of the amenity building would be open. She said that her client is working very hard to
get the screens installed before the Council’s meeting on February 26, 2013. It was
acknowledged by Ms. Feilmeyer that in order to get into the Council’s meeting packet, it would
really mean the prior Friday. She contended that the hard deadline is March 1 to get the
information to the Assessor.
Noting the staff vacancies in departments that would be involved in this, Council Member
Goodman implored Ms. Feilmeyer and the owners of 127 Stanton to be cooperative and approve
an agreement that protects everyone’s interest, not “haggle over tiny things,” or take a lot of staff
time.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Szopinski, to amend the motion to require that the agreement
described above be brought back to the Council on February 26, 2013, so that the abatement
could be addressed.
Roll Call Vote on Amendment: 6-0.
Roll Call Vote on Motion, as Amended: 6-0.
NORTHERN GROWTH ANNEXATION: Assistant City Manager Kindred said that at issue
are the annexation requests for the Athen property and Quarry Estates property. He advised that
there are two other pending annexation petitions for two Hunziker properties on Grant Avenue.
Since Council last discussed this issue, staff, the developers, and many of the neighbors in the
area had worked to develop Annexation Agreements with the Athen land owners, Quarry Estates
land owners, and the owners of the two Hunziker parcels and ultimately be able to refer the
petitions on to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Unfortunately, Annexation Agreements
have not been finalized and signed for any of the four properties; more time is needed.
Mr. Kindred provided the background on the Annexation Agreement that is being negotiated for
the Hunziker South Parcel (69 acres that is located between Rose Prairie and the northern city
limits on the west side of Grant Avenue. Recognizing that it was the Council’s direction to
secure agreements that would confirm the developers’ willingness to pay for their respective
shares of the Grant Avenue paving as a prerequisite for approving the Athen annexation, the
northern developers on Grand Avenue were, in general, willing to enter into those types of
agreements. Their desire is that when the agreements are approved, they could count on being
annexation into the City. This is especially crucial for the Hunziker South Parcel, since on its
own, it is not large enough to bring about an 80/20 annexation under the state’s annexation laws.
Mr. Kindred noted that the Council had previously instructed staff to meet with the neighbors
in the area and to ascertain their interest in being voluntarily annexed. That meeting was held,
with all eight neighbors present. In general, they do not want to be annexed because they value
their country lifestyle. However, if it happens, they felt that the proposed allocation of water and
sewer connection fees to their properties imposed a very heavy financial burden. The Council
was advised that, late today, the City had received a letter from Leroy and Sue Sturges, who own
the largest piece of property in question. The City’s Land Use Policy Plan shows that about 80%
of their property should be reserved for a natural environmental reserve and not developed. The
Sturgeses allege that the water and sewer connection fees should, therefore, not be based on a
per-acre basis, as it makes it very cost prohibitive for them. In summary, the Sturgeses would
ask for voluntary annexation into the City if the City Council would allow them and the
neighbors in that area to connect to City water and sewer for approximately the same amount
as a property within the city limits would pay. For an 80-foot lot in the City, it would equate to
17
approximately $1,500 for a water and $1,500 for sewer connection. Fidelity Bank (Rose Prairie)
has indicated a general willingness to annex the strip of land between the Sturges and Hunziker
properties. Mr. Kindred further advised that none of the developers are interested in subsidizing
the connection fees for the other land owners, as they are incurring a large expense to pave Grant
Avenue.
City Manager Schainker asked Public Works Director John Joiner how much expense would be
borne by the City if the property owners were allowed to connect to water and sewer for the
same fees as a residence in the city limits. Mr. Joiner said that the amount that would be covered
by the City for the sanitary sewer would be a little less than $140,000 and the water would be
a little over $90,000; combined it equates to approximately $230,000.
M r. K ind red ad vised that staff learn ed tod ay o f a majo r issue. H e reca lled that, in 1 9 9 6, the C ity
h ad sig ned an ag reem en t w ith X en ia to allo w them to serve ru ral w ater c u stom ers o utside the city
limits. Today, in talking w ith the repres enta tive s of Xenia rural D istric t, X enia indica ted a change
in p hilosophy and now w ants to talk to the City about ho w they can pr ovide water ser vice to the
p rop erties in q uestio n. Th at m eetin g w ill no t occ u r u ntil M arch 5 o r 6 , w h ich w ill giv e the C ity
tim e to learn its legal righ ts on this issue. M r. K ind red noted that he w ill be m eeting w ith
Rep resenting D ave Deyo e tomorr ow. Representative Deyoe has sponsored House Study Bill 111
at the req u est of a nu m b er o f cities , to attem pt som e reas o nab le w ay fo r w ater ass ociation s to
interface with cities. Ther e w ill be a s ubcommittee meeting held tomorrow morning. W ate r and
Pollution Contr ol Di rec tor John D unn and M r. Kindred will be pre se nt to repres ent the City.
C layton G regg , 41 96 G ran t A ven ue, A m es, stated that he had pu rchased h is prop erty ten years
ago. At that time, the Land Use Policy Plan d id n ot s uppo rt the City g rowing north; ho w ever, the
C ity h ad since mad e a 18 0-d egree turn . H e said they like the rural life and do no t w ant to p ay an
extra $1,000/yea r in p roperty tax. M r. Gregg a sked tha t the affe cted p roperty ow ners no t be
ov erbu rdened w ith fees for all the services that are being installed to se rve addition al
d ev elo p m en t.
A llison Ennis, 4366 G ra nt Avenue , Am es, said she lives on the s a me proper ty tha t she gre w up
on ; her daug hter is the fou rth g eneration to live o n the prop erty. Sh e and her neigh bo rs feel that
the developers are go ing to p rofit and the City will be benef itting from incre as ed service property;
h o w ev er, they w ou ld b e p ay ing for so m eth ing that they h av e h ad their w h o le lives. If the C ity
w ou ld o ffset their costs, there migh t be m o re w illing ness on the part of the affected lando w ners
to annex.
R og er H am blin, 41 58 G rant A ven ue, A m es, stated that his primary co ncern is the co st. Th ey are
curre ntly self-sustaining and do not see any bene fit to annexing.
C h u ck W ink leb lack , 1 05 S ou th 1 6 S treet, A m es, said that the pro ject w as still ev o lvin g as lateth
as 3:00 or 4:00 p.m.; theref ore , the re ar e no a greements ready to be signed. H e suggested that the
C ity m o ve forw ard w ith th e A the n pro perty an n ex ation , co ntin gen t on w ork ing o ut th e issu e w ith
X en ia W ater D istrict, as tim e is ru nn ing ou t for th e C ertificate o f N eed for that pro ject.
K urt F riedrich, 10 0 S ixth S treet, A m es, stated that there are not many issues pertaining to Q uarry
E states, and he w ou ld like to stay o n track; the o nly issue d eals w ith the rural w ater.
J oe M etz ger , 37 08 Columbine Circle, A mes, spoke. He noted tha t the City h a s s tandards for
ingress and egress for new developme nts; howev e r, there appear s to h a ve been n o ser ious thought
18
to th e lack of east/we st ro ad s. He re qu este d that th e C ity co n sid er p a vin g Gr a nt Aven u e no w,
w itho ut triggers that call for the paving in five or ten years. A ccording to M r. M etzger, several
s tudents have dri ven off the loose-gra vel road during the past year as they ar e traveling from
A m es to G ilbert S ch oo l.
M ov ed b y G oo dm an, secon ded by O razem , to table Item N o. 26 un til resolution of the rural w ater
issue.
V ote on M otion: 6-0. M otion decla red carried u nanimously.
M o v ed b y G o o dm an , seco nd ed b y O raze m , to as k staff to talk to th e p ro p erty ow ners o pp o sed to
an n ex ation ab o u t gettin g them in a c oo p erativ e ag reem en t w ith the C ity to v o lun tarily ann ex w ith
the co st share for them that is m ore attun ed w ith w hat it w ou ld b e in the C ity, w ith staff to figu re
ou t the d ifferent resou rces to fun d the difference.
V ote on M otion: 6-0. M otion decla red carried u nanimously.
M oved by Larson, seconded by O razem, to accept the Petitions for A nnexation for the A then
propertie s as one ter ritory and Q ua rr y Esta tes as anothe r ter ritory and re fer the Petitions to the
Planning and Zoning Comm ission.
V ote on M otion: 4-2. Voting a ye: Davis, Larson, Oraz em, W ac ha. V oting nay: Goodman,
Sz opinski. M otion declare d car rie d.
The meeting recessed at 9:44 p.m. and reconvened at 9:50 p.m.
CLOSURE OF LOT S FOR STAGING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR LIBRARY
RENOVATION PROJECT: Assistant City Manager Mundt advised that City Parking Lot S was
approved in the contract to be used for staging of construction materials for the Library
Renovation Project. She reported that parking along Douglas Avenue and 5 Street will alsoth
experience closures as the Library project moves forward. City staff is requesting that the
Council formally close Lot S for the Library staging area. Ms. Mundt said that City staff had
spoken with representatives of the area businesses that would be impacted by the alternative
proposed, which was to close Douglas Avenue between 5 and 6 Street. She further stated thatthth
representatives of the First United Methodist Church (FUMC), who had asked for an alternative
to closing Lot S, has now sent an e-mail message stating that it understands what impact the
closure of Douglas Avenue would have on traffic flow and the adjacent businesses.
Dale VanderSchaaf, 2602 Tyler, Ames, currently serving as the chair of the Project Steering
Committee on behalf of the FUMC and General Coordinator of the project, advised that the
Church is nearing completion of its project. He told the Council that having lost access to the
entire Lot S was somewhat of a surprise to the Church. They anticipated that they would lose
partial access due to the Library project commencing, but not the entire lot. Mr. VanderSchaaf
advised that, for the past two and one-half years, the Church had been working side-by-side with
City staff because of the co-locations of the properties. Closing of Lot S will cause additional
difficulties for the Church. He emphasized that for FUMC’s new addition to function as it is
intended to have a fully handicapped-accessible entrance, the alley needs to remain open; that
serves as the main drive to access the new south entrance. Mr. VanderSchaaf said that the
Church understands that there will be times when it has to be closed due to the Library project,
but asked that the Church be given enough lead time. He also requested that the on-site staff of
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the Church have access to some reserved spaces in Lot Q during the times when the alley has
to be closed.
Lee Huey, 800 Phoenix Circle, Ames, said that he was not speaking for the Church, but as a
member of the Church. He pointed out that the south entrance (facing Lot S) is the Church’s
front door. He advised that $4 million had been invested in the renovation, and now the Church
will be faced with at least 15 months and possibly up to a year and one-half by the parking lot
closure; this is very disappointing to members of the Church. He asked that the Council take that
into consideration while deliberating this issue.
Council Member Orazem asked if there was any way for Lot S to be open on the weekends.
Municipal Engineer Warner said it is fenced-off and being used for the project’s staging area.
She advised that there needs to be direct access to the Library, so that is why Lot S was used.
Also, there are a lot of parking space rentals in Lot Q, and the contractors would have to cross
6 Street with the materials.th
Council Member Szopinski said she wanted to ensure that adequate notice be given to the
Church when the alley would be closed. Project Manager Brad Heemstra stated that the contract
provisions called for the contractor to keep access through the alley to the new drop-off canopy
of the Church at all times as much as practical until next summer. The City will coordinate with
the Church on when the utility work gets done. He also pointed out that the entire alley and the
Bookmobile area will also be re-paved.
Council Member Larson said he was disappointed that there was such a lack of communication
between the City and the Church. This could have occurred due to the discussions between the
Church and the former director Art Weeks. He noted his appreciation to the FUMC for its
willingness to concede for the sake of its relationship with the City and Library.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO.13-053 to authorize the
closing of Lot S to serve as a staging area for construction materials and equipment related to
the Library expansion project; to direct the contractor to provide screening materials to the
fenced area in Lot S; and, offer six free temporary hooded parking spaces in Lot Q during
alleyway closures.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
2012/13 FUNDING REQUEST FROM COMMUNITY AND FAMILY RESOURCES (CFR):
Assistant City Attorney Mundt gave the history of the City’s connection with the CFR.
Pam Barkley, 1615 South High, Ames, stated that CFR has had several administrative changes
in the past three months. They continue to work on better communication. Ms. Barkley alleged
that there was erroneous information contained in the Council Action Form, specifically that
students are not being referred to CFR.
It was noted by Ms. Mundt that the City’s ASSET volunteers and the County have recommended
denial of a contract to CFR for FY 2012/13 due to the concerns raised by ASSET volunteers and
noted in the its funding for FY 2013/14.
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Moved by Larson, seconded by Orazem, to decide not to award a contract to Community and
Family Resources for FY 2012/13 due to the concerns raised by ASSET volunteers and noted
in its denial of funding for FY 2013/14.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
FLEET REPLACEMENT: Chief Cychosz advised that the Police Department had been notified
several years ago that Ford would discontinue production of the Crown Victoria, which has
served as the standard for the patrol car fleet in recent years. He reported that the Police
Department and Fleet Services had been studying alternatives to identify a vehicle that could be
expected to perform well in the police patrol environment. Police officers drove and reviewed
a newly designed 2013 Ford Police Interceptor, which met all expectations. Chief Cychosz
described the configuration of the Interceptor that made it the vehicle of choice. He asked the
Council to grant permission for the City to proceed with the purchase of Ford Interceptors in the
all-wheel-drive configuration for the replacement of police patrol vehicles coming out of service.
City Manager Schainker emphasized that that action would allow the staff to seek bids only from
dealers who sell the Ford Interceptor.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 13-054 authorizing the
solicitation of bids, through the City’s normal purchasing policies, for the purchase of Ford
Interceptor all-wheel-drive police sedans.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
SOLUM, INC.: Moved by Goodman , seconded by Davis, to adopt RESOLUTION ON. 13-055
ap p ro v ing a C o n trac t fo r Eco n om ic D ev elo p m en t Fin an cial A ssistan ce w ith Io w a E co no m ic
D evelop m ent A utho rity an d S olum , Inc., and A greem ent for local match in the form o f a
forgivable loan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON CYRIDE BUS FACILITY EXPANSION PROJECT: Mayor Campbell opened
the public hearing. No one came forward to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Orazem, seconded by Szopinski, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 13-056 app rov ing final
pla ns and s pecific ations and aw arding a contr act to Henk el Cons truction Company of M ason Ci ty,
Iowa, in the amount of $4,489,000.00 .
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2009/10 LOW-POINT DRAINAGE (CRYSTAL STREET): The
public hearing was opened by the Mayor. She closed same after no one requested to speak.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Wacha, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 13-057 app rov ing final
pla ns and spe cif ications and aw arding a contrac t to Con-Struct, Inc., of Am es, Iowa, in the amount
of $61,335.00.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
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HEARING ON 2012/13 WEST LINCOLN WAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
(LINCOLN WAY AND DOTSON DRIVE): The Mayor opened the public hearing. After no one
came forward to speak, the hearing was closed.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 13-058 app rov ing final
pla ns and spe cif ications and aw ar ding a c ontract to M ana tt’s, Inc., of A mes, Iowa, in the amount
of $549,699.00 .
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE STRIKING REFERENCES TO BOARD OF HEALTH IN MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 11 (HEALTH AND SANITATION): M o v ed b y D a v is, seco n d ed b y S zo p ins ki,
to pass on sec ond rea ding an ordinance striking ref ere nces to Board of Health in M unic ipal Code
Cha pter 11 (H ealth and Sanitation)
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE STRIKING REFERENCE TO BOARD OF HEALTH IN THE INDEX OF
THE MUNICIPAL CODE: Moved by Davis, seconded by Orazem, to pass on second reading an
ordinance striking references to Board of Health in the index of the Municipal Code.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2008-24TH STREET FROM
RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY (RL) TO RESIDENTIAL HIGH-DENSITY (RH): M ov ed
by D a vis, seconded b y Szopins ki, to p ass on th ird reading and adopt OR D I N A N CE N O . 41 39
rezoning prop erty located at 20 08 -24 Street from R esiden tial Lo w -D ensity (R L ) to R esiden tialth
H igh -D ensity (R H ).
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1. Voting aye: Goodman, Davis, Lars on, Oraz em, Szopins ki, Voting na y:
N one. Abstaining due to a conflict of intere st: W ac ha. O rdinanc e de clared adopted, signed by the
M ayo r, and hereby m ade a po rtion of these M inu tes.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Moved by Larson, seconded by Orazem, to refer to staff the letter
submitted by Brad Larson of Stumbo and Associates, on behalf of Bud Ely, requesting a waiver
of Major Subdivision requirements for 1817 E. Lincoln Way.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CLOSED S ES S ION: M o v ed b y D av is, seco n d ed by Larso n, to h o ld a C losed S ess ion as provided
b y S ection 21.5(1)[a] Code of Iowa.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried un animou sly.
The Regular Meeting con ven ed at 10:47 p.m.
ELECTRIC: Moved by Orazem, seconded by D avis, to adopt RESO LU TION NO . 13-059 w aiving
the P urc ha sing Po licy requ irement to so licit bid s for co al.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
M oved by Davis, seconded by Szopinski, to adopt RE SO LU TION N O . 13-060 approving an
am endm en t to the origin al A gre em en t with P eabod y C oa l Sales, LL C to supply coa l for the C ity
of Am es Steam E lectric Plant for the period January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2015, with coal
from Peabody’s North Antelope Rochelle M ine located in Campbell County, W yom ing.
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Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Davis to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________
Diane Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor